Isla Partida
This morning we awoke in the beautiful bay of Ensenada Grande and the island of Isla Partida. Isla Partida translates into “Broken Island”, referring to its close proximity and connection (at low tides) to the larger Isla Espiritu Santo. Technically considered the same island due to the geographic bridge (sand bar) that connects it, we tracked the endemic black jackrabbit and antelope ground squirrel that are found on only these two islands in the sea. You know you are in a unique and special place when you can find species that exist nowhere else in the world! Hikers ventured distances both short and long, exploring the amazing canyon that is host to so many plants and birds. Passing by shell middens, we were reminded of the native people who once lived here and the Spanish that followed seeking riches and a bounty of black pearls. Rock hopping up the dry drainage we encountered the subtropical Sonoran Desert in leaf and bloom and were awed by the beauty of the desert after rain. After great views of the bay below, we were drawn back to the beach by the beautiful hues of blue that make these waters so alluring.
On the beach young and aspiring boatswains anxiously boarded the Zodiacs for lessons on the rules of the road and sea behind the tiller and motor. Zodiac driving school was a total success; we are hopeful that someday we will see some of the youth of today back aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion.
After lunch we based from another beach within the bay of Ensenada Grande. Some chose to kayak around the corner to observe the amazing geologic features (welded volcanic tuff) that make this landscape so unusual. The earth seemed to breathe as we encountered small blowholes and Sally Lightfoot crabs danced amongst the surging waves. From the beach, people swam and snorkeled amongst spectacular fish of the underworld while others lazed about the beach knowing that these are the days our dreams are made of.
Tearing ourselves away from but another perfect day and place, we returned to the National Geographic Sea Lion for a beautiful sunset over the Gulf of California.
This morning we awoke in the beautiful bay of Ensenada Grande and the island of Isla Partida. Isla Partida translates into “Broken Island”, referring to its close proximity and connection (at low tides) to the larger Isla Espiritu Santo. Technically considered the same island due to the geographic bridge (sand bar) that connects it, we tracked the endemic black jackrabbit and antelope ground squirrel that are found on only these two islands in the sea. You know you are in a unique and special place when you can find species that exist nowhere else in the world! Hikers ventured distances both short and long, exploring the amazing canyon that is host to so many plants and birds. Passing by shell middens, we were reminded of the native people who once lived here and the Spanish that followed seeking riches and a bounty of black pearls. Rock hopping up the dry drainage we encountered the subtropical Sonoran Desert in leaf and bloom and were awed by the beauty of the desert after rain. After great views of the bay below, we were drawn back to the beach by the beautiful hues of blue that make these waters so alluring.
On the beach young and aspiring boatswains anxiously boarded the Zodiacs for lessons on the rules of the road and sea behind the tiller and motor. Zodiac driving school was a total success; we are hopeful that someday we will see some of the youth of today back aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion.
After lunch we based from another beach within the bay of Ensenada Grande. Some chose to kayak around the corner to observe the amazing geologic features (welded volcanic tuff) that make this landscape so unusual. The earth seemed to breathe as we encountered small blowholes and Sally Lightfoot crabs danced amongst the surging waves. From the beach, people swam and snorkeled amongst spectacular fish of the underworld while others lazed about the beach knowing that these are the days our dreams are made of.
Tearing ourselves away from but another perfect day and place, we returned to the National Geographic Sea Lion for a beautiful sunset over the Gulf of California.
